US20130265847A1 - Blender - Google Patents
Blender Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130265847A1 US20130265847A1 US13/994,964 US201113994964A US2013265847A1 US 20130265847 A1 US20130265847 A1 US 20130265847A1 US 201113994964 A US201113994964 A US 201113994964A US 2013265847 A1 US2013265847 A1 US 2013265847A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- blender
- mixing bowl
- auger
- ball screw
- screw
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 46
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 15
- 235000020166 milkshake Nutrition 0.000 claims description 12
- 235000013570 smoothie Nutrition 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000015243 ice cream Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000013409 condiments Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000021185 dessert Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 244000166550 Strophanthus gratus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000015895 biscuits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000686 essence Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014571 nuts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006188 syrup Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020357 syrup Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B01F7/00416—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/05—Stirrers
- B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
- B01F27/114—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections
- B01F27/1143—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections screw-shaped, e.g. worms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
- B01F27/805—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis wherein the stirrers or the receptacles are moved in order to bring them into operative position; Means for fixing the receptacle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
- B01F27/92—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws
- B01F27/921—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws with helices centrally mounted in the receptacle
- B01F27/9212—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws with helices centrally mounted in the receptacle with conical helices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/181—Preventing generation of dust or dirt; Sieves; Filters
- B01F35/186—Preventing generation of dust or dirt; Sieves; Filters using splash guards in mixers for avoiding dirt or projection of material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
- B01F2101/06—Mixing of food ingredients
- B01F2101/13—Mixing of ice-cream ingredients
Definitions
- the invention relates to a blender for mixing ingredients, typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk), to form a homogenous and well mixed product, typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie.
- condiments fruits, nuts, etc
- flavours or liquids e.g. milk
- Blenders for mixing frozen product, such as ice cream, to a substantially soft, smooth product are known. These known blenders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,503,687, 5,439,289, 5067819, 4828398, 4974965 and 3352543 respectively, in which a variety of additives such as fruits, nuts, biscuits, confectionary, flavourings, essences, etc can be rapidly mixed with a frozen product.
- ingredients typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk)
- a homogenous and well mixed product typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie
- the invention resides in a blender for mixing ingredients, typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk), to form a homogenous and well mixed product, typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie
- the blender includes:
- the column defines an interior space in which the ball screw mechanism is situated.
- the ball screw mechanism includes:
- the ball screw is drivingly connected to a reversible motor housed in the interior of the base such that ball screw can be rotated in one direction to move the screw block up the length of the ball screw and can be rotated in the opposite direction to move the screw block down the length of the ball screw.
- the reversible motor is a variable speed DC motor so that the speed of rotation of the screw ball can be varied and controlled.
- the reversible motor is coupled to a gear reduction box situated between the reversible motor and the ball screw.
- the base includes a PLC therein to control the operation of the reversible motor and the drive motor.
- That base includes therein all the electronic components required for the operation and control of the blender.
- the base includes start and stop switches for starting and stopping the operation of the blender.
- the base has adjustable feet depending downwardly therefrom.
- the base includes a horizontal upper base plate.
- the base includes a drip tray situated directly below and in alignment with mixing bowl.
- a vertically aligned slot in the column where the slot extends a portion of the length of the column.
- the screw block has a portion that extends through the slot whereby the distal end of said portion is connected to a collar positioned on and surrounding the circumference of the column.
- the collar is adapted to slide up and down the column as the screw block is caused to move up and down the ball screw.
- the collar is attached to the mixing bowl holder whereby the mixing bowl holder extends outwardly from the collar and situated to be positioned in coaxial alignment with auger such that the mixing bowl holder is adapted to move the mixing bowl toward the auger when the collar is caused to move in an upward direction by the ball screw mechanism and to move away from the auger when the collar is moved in a downward direction by the ball screw mechanism.
- the mixing bowl is releasably held to the mixing bowl holder by co-operating holding means on the mixing bowl and mixing bowl holder.
- the holding means are a quick release camlock mechanism.
- the mixing bowl is a tapered cone with the taper pointing toward the base and interior of said cone is dimensioned to fully accommodate the auger therein.
- the auger has a tapered screw that tapers to a tip.
- the tapered tip of the auger is adapted to be situated above and adjacent the tapered interior bottom of the cone when the auger is positioned fully in to the interior of the said cone so as to achieve maximum and efficient mixing of the ingredients within the mixing cone.
- the splash guard is circular and has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the open end of the mixing bowl.
- the splash guard is retained in position above the auger by an outer collar retainer positioned between the splash guard and the bottom surface of the upper housing.
- a vertical oriented activation holder is positioned within the interior of the column, the activation holder has a plurality of activation means along its length.
- the activation holder extends along and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column and is spaced a distance from the screw ball such that as the screw block moves along the length of the ball screw it passes and activates the activation means in order to determine the relative position of the mixing bowl relative to the auger.
- each activation means is connected to the PLC that upon a respective activation of a respective activation means controls the operation of variable speed DC motor and drive motor.
- activation means there are at least three activation means, namely:
- a fourth activation means is situated between the second and third activation means, whereby the fourth activation means when activated by the screw block further slows the speed of the variable DC motor and thus the movement of the mixing bowl platform.
- the fourth activation means is positioned 30 mm below the third activation means.
- the activation means are switches.
- the switches are reed switches.
- the activation means are sensors.
- the sensors are LED sensors
- the mixing bowl has an extrusion outlet at its bottom to allow extrusion of the mixed mixture from the mixing bowl.
- the extrusion outlet has a valve such that when the mixing cone is used to make smoothies or milk shakes the valve can be closed.
- the mixing bowl has a handle.
- FIG. 1 is a side section view of the blender with the mixing bowl in a lower stroke position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side section view of the blender with the mixing bowl in a mid stroke position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side section view of the blender with the mixing bowl in an upper stroke position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a front side isometric view of the blender as shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a front side isometric ghost view of the blender as shown in FIG. 4 that show the inner working parts of the blender.
- FIG. 6 is a rear side isometric ghost view of the blender as shown in FIG. 4 that show the inner working parts of the blender.
- FIG. 7 is an isometric bottom view of the mixing bowl holder and mixing bowl shown in FIG. 1 .
- the blender B includes an upper frame 21 supported and spaced above a hollow base 2 by a hollow column 15 A.
- the upper frame 21 includes drive motor 16 , drive belt 17 , drive pulleys 18 , drive shaft 18 A for driving auger 25 in coaxial alignment with the mixing bowl 29 and mixing bowl holder 28 .
- the auger 25 is connected to the drive shaft 18 A that has a portion thereof extending through an under surface of the upper frame 21 such that the auger 25 is positioned outside of the upper frame 21 and depends vertically downward from the upper frame 21 in a direction toward the base 2 .
- the column 15 A defines an interior space which houses a ball screw mechanism for raising and lowering the mixing bowl 29 toward and away from the auger 25 .
- the ball screw mechanism consists of a vertically orientated ball screw 10 situated within the interior of a column 15 A.
- a screw block 11 has a screw nut 12 threadingly connected to the ball screw 10 so that the screw nut 12 is able to move up and down upon the ball screw 10 being rotated by a reversible variable speed DC motor 4 situated within the base 2 .
- the screw block 11 has a portion that extends through a vertically aligned machined slot 16 A in the column 15 A.
- the portion of the screw block 11 that extends outwardly through the slot 16 A is connected to a collar 13 that is slidingly situated on the outer surface of the columns 15 A.
- the slot 16 A extends along a portion of the length of the column 15 A so that the collar 13 is able to traverse that portion when the screw nut 12 is moved up and down upon the rotation of the ball screw 10 .
- the collar 13 has a mixing bowl holder 28 attached.
- the mixing bowl holder 28 extends outwardly from the collar 13 and is situated to be positioned in coaxial alignment with auger 25 such that the mixing bowl holder 28 is between the upper frame 21 and the base 2 such that the mixing bowl holder 28 is able to move the mixing bowl 29 toward the auger 25 when the collar is caused to move in an upward direction by the ball screw mechanism and to move away from the auger 25 when the collar is moved in a downward direction by the ball screw mechanism.
- the mixing bowl 29 is held by the mixing bowl holder 28 by a quick release camlock mechanism (see FIG. 7 ).
- the camlock mechanism is shown having two cam locks 281 . 282 in order to hold the mixing bowl 29 in place. It is envisaged that mixing bowl could be held in position by one or more camlocks. Also it is envisaged that other known holding/attaching mechanism could be used to hold the mixing bowl 29 to the mixing bowl holder 28 .
- the mixing bowl 29 is a tapered cone and dimensioned to fully accommodate the tapered auger 25 therein as shown in FIG. 3 whereby the tip 26 of the auger is situated above and adjacent the tapered interior bottom of the mixing bowl 29 in order to achieve the maximum and efficient mixing of the ingredients within the mixing bowl. It is envisaged that other shapes of mixing bowl 29 could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the auger 25 has a tapered screw that tapers to a tip 26 .
- a splash guard 24 is situated above the auger 25 a distance from the tip 26 whereby when the auger 25 is partially positioned within the mixing bowl 29 the splash guard 24 contacts the upper internal wall of the mixing bowl 29 so as to cover the open end of the mixing bowl 29 to prevent splashing and spillage of the ingredients during the mixing operation by the auger 25 .
- the splash guard 24 is circular and has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the open end of the mixing bowl 29 .
- the splash guard 24 is retained in position above the auger 25 by an outer collar retainer 23 positioned between the auger 25 and the bottom surface of the top frame 21 .
- the base 2 is a hollow that has an interior space that houses the variable DC motor 4 , gear box 5 , thrust bearing 6 , safety start switch 31 , safety stop switch 32 and other suitable known electronic components such as PLC, etc that allow operation and control of the use of the blender B.
- the variable DC motor 4 , gear box 5 and thrust bearing 6 drive and control the rotation of the ball screw 10 .
- the base 2 has adjustable feet 1 .
- the base 2 has an upper base plate 7 and a drip tray 30 situated directly below and in alignment with mixing bowl 29 .
- a switch/sensor holder 27 preferably a reed switch/sensor holder 27 , that has a plurality of switches or sensors along its length.
- the reed switch/sensor holder 27 extends along and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column 15 A and is in a spaced a distance from the screw ball 10 such that as the screw block 11 moves along the length of the ball screw 10 it passes a switch/sensor 33 , 34 , 35 in order to determine the relative position of the mixing bowl 29 relative to the auger 25 .
- Each switch/sensor is connected to a controller (e.g. a PLC) that upon a respective activation of a respective switch/sensor controls the operation of variable DC motor 4 and drive motor 16 .
- a controller e.g. a PLC
- the screw block 11 is in its lower most position and adjacent bottom switch/sensor 35 and the blender B is in a non-use operation.
- the screw block 11 is adjacent a main switch/sensor 33 where the mixing bowl 29 has moved upward such that the auger 25 is partially with in the mixing bowl 29 and in this position the upward movement of the mixing bowl platform 28 is slowed by slowing the speed of the DC motor 4 and the auger 25 starts mixing by activation of the drive motor 16 once the splash guard 24 makes contact with the internal upper wall of the mixing bowl 29 .
- FIG. 1 the screw block 11 is in its lower most position and adjacent bottom switch/sensor 35 and the blender B is in a non-use operation.
- the screw block 11 is adjacent a main switch/sensor 33 where the mixing bowl 29 has moved upward such that the auger 25 is partially with in the mixing bowl 29 and in this position the upward movement of the mixing bowl platform 28 is slowed by slowing the speed of the DC motor 4 and the auger 25 starts mixing by activation of the drive motor 16 once the splash guard 24 makes contact with the internal upper wall
- the screw block 11 is adjacent the top switch/sensor 34 where the mixing bowl 29 has moved upward such that the auger 25 is fully within the mixing bowl 29 and in this position the upward movement of the mixing platform 28 is stopped by stopping the DC motor 4 and the auger 25 continues mixing.
- the switches/sensors are reed switches. It is envisaged that a fourth reed switch (not shown) can be placed between the mid and upper reed switch, preferably 30 mm below the upper switch, whereby the fourth reed switch further slows the movement of the mixing bowl platform 28 .
- the mixing bowl 29 as shown in the drawings is primarily a mixing bowl for the mixing of frozen products with non liquids as the bottom of the mixing cone has an extrusion outlet 291 to allow the mixture to be extruded from the mixing bowl once mixing is completed.
- this mixing bowl does not have an extrusion outlet 291 and may have a handle to allow for ease of tipping the milk shake or smoothie into a cup or drinking vessel.
- Another variation is for mixing bowl to have a valve to control the egress of mixture through the outlet 291 such that when not making milk shakes or smoothies the valve is open to allow mixture to be extruded via the outlet 291 from the mixing bowl and when making milk shakes or smoothies the valve is in a closed position to prevent liquid from exiting the mixing bowl via outlet 291 .
- Blender A preferred operation of the Blender will now be described mixing a frozen product.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
- Mixers Of The Rotary Stirring Type (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a blender for mixing ingredients, typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk), to form a homogenous and well mixed product, typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie.
- Blenders for mixing frozen product, such as ice cream, to a substantially soft, smooth product are known. These known blenders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,503,687, 5,439,289, 5067819, 4828398, 4974965 and 3352543 respectively, in which a variety of additives such as fruits, nuts, biscuits, confectionary, flavourings, essences, etc can be rapidly mixed with a frozen product.
- Whilst the above mentioned published patents had advantages over the prior art they have disadvantages, such as the use of a hand lever and/or belt/pulley/gear arrangement for the raising and lowering of the mixing bowl relative to the auger.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a blender for mixing ingredients (typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk)) to form a homogenous and well mixed product (typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie) that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provide the public with a useful choice.
- In a first aspect the invention resides in a blender for mixing ingredients, typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk), to form a homogenous and well mixed product, typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie, the blender includes:
-
- (i) a base having an interior space therein;
- (ii) a hollow central column extending upwardly from the base;
- (iii) a top housing mounted to the top of the column, the top housing having a motor, drive transmission means and a drive shaft, the drive shaft extends downwardly and outwardly from said top housing;
- (iv) an auger attached to a distal end of the drive shaft
- (v) a mixing bowl having an open top, the mixing bowl is in substantially coaxial alignment with the auger,
- (vi) a mixing bowl holder for releasably holding the mixing bowl in said substantially coaxial alignment;
- (vii) a ball screw drive mechanism housed within the column and connectable to the mixing bowl holder for moving the mixing bowl in linear movement toward and away from the auger; and
- (viii) a splash guard positioned above the auger wherein the splash guard is adapted to fit within and cover the opening of the mixing bowl when the blender is in use.
- Preferably, the column defines an interior space in which the ball screw mechanism is situated.
- Preferably, the ball screw mechanism includes:
-
- (i) a vertically orientated ball screw situated within the interior space of the column extending upwardly from the base to the top housing;
- (ii) a screw nut threadingly connected to the ball screw; and
- (iii) a screw block attached to the screw nut such that the screw block is adapted to move up and down upon rotation of the ball screw.
- Preferably, the ball screw is drivingly connected to a reversible motor housed in the interior of the base such that ball screw can be rotated in one direction to move the screw block up the length of the ball screw and can be rotated in the opposite direction to move the screw block down the length of the ball screw.
- Preferably, the reversible motor is a variable speed DC motor so that the speed of rotation of the screw ball can be varied and controlled.
- Preferably, the reversible motor is coupled to a gear reduction box situated between the reversible motor and the ball screw.
- Preferably, the base includes a PLC therein to control the operation of the reversible motor and the drive motor.
- Preferably, that base includes therein all the electronic components required for the operation and control of the blender.
- Preferably, the base includes start and stop switches for starting and stopping the operation of the blender.
- Preferably, the base has adjustable feet depending downwardly therefrom.
- Preferably, the base includes a horizontal upper base plate.
- Preferably, the base includes a drip tray situated directly below and in alignment with mixing bowl.
- Preferably, a vertically aligned slot in the column, where the slot extends a portion of the length of the column.
- Preferably, the screw block has a portion that extends through the slot whereby the distal end of said portion is connected to a collar positioned on and surrounding the circumference of the column.
- Preferably, the collar is adapted to slide up and down the column as the screw block is caused to move up and down the ball screw.
- Preferably, the collar is attached to the mixing bowl holder whereby the mixing bowl holder extends outwardly from the collar and situated to be positioned in coaxial alignment with auger such that the mixing bowl holder is adapted to move the mixing bowl toward the auger when the collar is caused to move in an upward direction by the ball screw mechanism and to move away from the auger when the collar is moved in a downward direction by the ball screw mechanism.
- Preferably, the mixing bowl is releasably held to the mixing bowl holder by co-operating holding means on the mixing bowl and mixing bowl holder.
- Preferably, the holding means are a quick release camlock mechanism.
- Preferably, the mixing bowl is a tapered cone with the taper pointing toward the base and interior of said cone is dimensioned to fully accommodate the auger therein.
- Preferably, the auger has a tapered screw that tapers to a tip.
- Preferably, the tapered tip of the auger is adapted to be situated above and adjacent the tapered interior bottom of the cone when the auger is positioned fully in to the interior of the said cone so as to achieve maximum and efficient mixing of the ingredients within the mixing cone.
- Preferably, the splash guard is circular and has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the open end of the mixing bowl.
- Preferably, the splash guard is retained in position above the auger by an outer collar retainer positioned between the splash guard and the bottom surface of the upper housing.
- Preferably, a vertical oriented activation holder is positioned within the interior of the column, the activation holder has a plurality of activation means along its length.
- Preferably, the activation holder extends along and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column and is spaced a distance from the screw ball such that as the screw block moves along the length of the ball screw it passes and activates the activation means in order to determine the relative position of the mixing bowl relative to the auger.
- Preferably, each activation means is connected to the PLC that upon a respective activation of a respective activation means controls the operation of variable speed DC motor and drive motor.
- Preferably, there are at least three activation means, namely:
-
- (i) a first activation means situated on the switch/sensor holder adjacent the bottom of the screw ball, where the first activation means when activated by the screw block deactivates drive power to the variable speed DC motor;
- (ii) a second activation means situated switch/sensor holder adjacent a mid region along the length of the ball screw wherein the auger is partially within the mixing bowl and the splash guard is in contact with the inner wall adjacent the open end of the mixing bowl, where the second activation means when activated by the screw block slows the speed of the variable DC motor and activates the drive motor to drive the auger; and
- (iii) a third activation means situated switch/sensor holder adjacent the top of the ball screw wherein the auger is fully within the mixing bowl, where the third activation means when activated by the screw block stops the variable DC motor whereby drive to the auger continues.
- Preferably, a fourth activation means is situated between the second and third activation means, whereby the fourth activation means when activated by the screw block further slows the speed of the variable DC motor and thus the movement of the mixing bowl platform.
- Preferably, the fourth activation means is positioned 30 mm below the third activation means.
- Preferably, the activation means are switches.
- Preferably, the switches are reed switches.
- Preferably, the activation means are sensors.
- Preferably, the sensors are LED sensors
- Preferably, the mixing bowl has an extrusion outlet at its bottom to allow extrusion of the mixed mixture from the mixing bowl.
- Preferably, the extrusion outlet has a valve such that when the mixing cone is used to make smoothies or milk shakes the valve can be closed.
- Preferably, the mixing bowl has a handle.
- Any other aspects herein described
- The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a side section view of the blender with the mixing bowl in a lower stroke position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side section view of the blender with the mixing bowl in a mid stroke position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a side section view of the blender with the mixing bowl in an upper stroke position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a front side isometric view of the blender as shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is a front side isometric ghost view of the blender as shown inFIG. 4 that show the inner working parts of the blender. -
FIG. 6 is a rear side isometric ghost view of the blender as shown inFIG. 4 that show the inner working parts of the blender. -
FIG. 7 is an isometric bottom view of the mixing bowl holder and mixing bowl shown inFIG. 1 . - The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a blender for mixing ingredients, typically ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product with condiments (fruits, nuts, etc), flavours or liquids (e.g. milk), to form a homogenous and well mixed product, typically a soft smooth dessert or drink such as a milk shake or smoothie. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.
- The blender as shown in
FIGS. 1 to 7 will now be described. - The blender B includes an
upper frame 21 supported and spaced above ahollow base 2 by ahollow column 15A. Theupper frame 21 includesdrive motor 16,drive belt 17, drive pulleys 18,drive shaft 18A for drivingauger 25 in coaxial alignment with themixing bowl 29 andmixing bowl holder 28. Theauger 25 is connected to thedrive shaft 18A that has a portion thereof extending through an under surface of theupper frame 21 such that theauger 25 is positioned outside of theupper frame 21 and depends vertically downward from theupper frame 21 in a direction toward thebase 2. - The
column 15A defines an interior space which houses a ball screw mechanism for raising and lowering themixing bowl 29 toward and away from theauger 25. The ball screw mechanism consists of a vertically orientated ball screw 10 situated within the interior of acolumn 15A. Ascrew block 11 has ascrew nut 12 threadingly connected to theball screw 10 so that thescrew nut 12 is able to move up and down upon theball screw 10 being rotated by a reversible variable speed DC motor 4 situated within thebase 2. Thescrew block 11 has a portion that extends through a vertically alignedmachined slot 16A in thecolumn 15A. - The portion of the
screw block 11 that extends outwardly through theslot 16A is connected to acollar 13 that is slidingly situated on the outer surface of thecolumns 15A. Theslot 16A extends along a portion of the length of thecolumn 15A so that thecollar 13 is able to traverse that portion when thescrew nut 12 is moved up and down upon the rotation of theball screw 10. - The
collar 13 has amixing bowl holder 28 attached. Themixing bowl holder 28 extends outwardly from thecollar 13 and is situated to be positioned in coaxial alignment withauger 25 such that themixing bowl holder 28 is between theupper frame 21 and thebase 2 such that themixing bowl holder 28 is able to move themixing bowl 29 toward theauger 25 when the collar is caused to move in an upward direction by the ball screw mechanism and to move away from theauger 25 when the collar is moved in a downward direction by the ball screw mechanism. - The
mixing bowl 29 is held by themixing bowl holder 28 by a quick release camlock mechanism (seeFIG. 7 ). The camlock mechanism is shown having two cam locks 281. 282 in order to hold themixing bowl 29 in place. It is envisaged that mixing bowl could be held in position by one or more camlocks. Also it is envisaged that other known holding/attaching mechanism could be used to hold themixing bowl 29 to themixing bowl holder 28. - The
mixing bowl 29 is a tapered cone and dimensioned to fully accommodate the taperedauger 25 therein as shown inFIG. 3 whereby thetip 26 of the auger is situated above and adjacent the tapered interior bottom of themixing bowl 29 in order to achieve the maximum and efficient mixing of the ingredients within the mixing bowl. It is envisaged that other shapes of mixingbowl 29 could be used without departing from the scope of the invention. - The
auger 25 has a tapered screw that tapers to atip 26. Asplash guard 24 is situated above the auger 25 a distance from thetip 26 whereby when theauger 25 is partially positioned within themixing bowl 29 thesplash guard 24 contacts the upper internal wall of themixing bowl 29 so as to cover the open end of themixing bowl 29 to prevent splashing and spillage of the ingredients during the mixing operation by theauger 25. As the mixing bowl is moved further upward the splash guard also moves upward, but retains in contact with the internal upper wall of the mixing bowl. Thesplash guard 24 is circular and has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the open end of themixing bowl 29. Thesplash guard 24 is retained in position above theauger 25 by anouter collar retainer 23 positioned between theauger 25 and the bottom surface of thetop frame 21. - The
base 2 is a hollow that has an interior space that houses the variable DC motor 4,gear box 5, thrustbearing 6,safety start switch 31,safety stop switch 32 and other suitable known electronic components such as PLC, etc that allow operation and control of the use of the blender B. The variable DC motor 4,gear box 5 and thrustbearing 6 drive and control the rotation of theball screw 10. Thebase 2 hasadjustable feet 1. Thebase 2 has an upper base plate 7 and adrip tray 30 situated directly below and in alignment with mixingbowl 29. - Within the
column 15A there is a switch/sensor holder 27, preferably a reed switch/sensor holder 27, that has a plurality of switches or sensors along its length. The reed switch/sensor holder 27 extends along and parallel to the longitudinal axis of thecolumn 15A and is in a spaced a distance from thescrew ball 10 such that as thescrew block 11 moves along the length of theball screw 10 it passes a switch/sensor mixing bowl 29 relative to theauger 25. Each switch/sensor is connected to a controller (e.g. a PLC) that upon a respective activation of a respective switch/sensor controls the operation of variable DC motor 4 and drivemotor 16. InFIG. 1 , thescrew block 11 is in its lower most position and adjacent bottom switch/sensor 35 and the blender B is in a non-use operation. InFIG. 2 thescrew block 11 is adjacent a main switch/sensor 33 where themixing bowl 29 has moved upward such that theauger 25 is partially with in themixing bowl 29 and in this position the upward movement of themixing bowl platform 28 is slowed by slowing the speed of the DC motor 4 and theauger 25 starts mixing by activation of thedrive motor 16 once thesplash guard 24 makes contact with the internal upper wall of themixing bowl 29. InFIG. 3 thescrew block 11 is adjacent the top switch/sensor 34 where themixing bowl 29 has moved upward such that theauger 25 is fully within themixing bowl 29 and in this position the upward movement of themixing platform 28 is stopped by stopping the DC motor 4 and theauger 25 continues mixing. Preferably the switches/sensors are reed switches. It is envisaged that a fourth reed switch (not shown) can be placed between the mid and upper reed switch, preferably 30 mm below the upper switch, whereby the fourth reed switch further slows the movement of themixing bowl platform 28. - The
mixing bowl 29 as shown in the drawings is primarily a mixing bowl for the mixing of frozen products with non liquids as the bottom of the mixing cone has anextrusion outlet 291 to allow the mixture to be extruded from the mixing bowl once mixing is completed. For the making of milk shakes or smoothies using the blender asimilar mixing bowl 29 is used, however this mixing bowl does not have anextrusion outlet 291 and may have a handle to allow for ease of tipping the milk shake or smoothie into a cup or drinking vessel. Another variation is for mixing bowl to have a valve to control the egress of mixture through theoutlet 291 such that when not making milk shakes or smoothies the valve is open to allow mixture to be extruded via theoutlet 291 from the mixing bowl and when making milk shakes or smoothies the valve is in a closed position to prevent liquid from exiting the mixing bowl viaoutlet 291. - A preferred operation of the Blender will now be described mixing a frozen product.
-
- 1. First put ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product into mixing
bowl 29. - 2. Then add any choice of fruit, nuts, confectionary, syrup etc.
- 3. Pushing in and holding
start button 31 starts variable speed DC motor 4. Driving throughgear box 5 intoball screw 10 driving upball screw nut 12 attached to block 11, attached tocollar 13, throughmachine slot 16A at the back ofcolumn 15A attached tocollar 13 attached to mixingbowl 28raises mixing bowl 29 approximately 220 mL at the top of which time thesafety splash guard 24 is inserted into the top of themixing bowl 29. At this position themain reed switch 33 is activated which slows down variable speed DC motor 4 and at the same time activates drivemotor 16. Driving throughpulleys 18 to thedrive shaft 18 A rotating auger 25. - 4. During the next 80 mL the mixing bowl travels up, the ice cream fruit mix is blended into a smooth consistency similar to cream freeze with the fruit etc blended throughout the mix.
- 5. As the mixing bowl ascends the last 30 mm the product is extruded out of the restricted opening at the bottom of the
mixing bowl 29. - 6. At the top of its stroke the top
limit reed switch 34 is activated which stops the variable speed DC motor 4, but by still holding your finger on the start button the mixing continues until all the product is extruded out of the mixing bowl leaving just a small amount of residue on thecone 29 andauger 25. At any time through the start and mixing cycle if thestart button 31 is released both the variable speed DC motor 4 and main drive motor will stop and can be restarted at their present position by re-pushing thestart button 31. At the end of the mixing cycle after all the product has been extruded thedown button 32 is pushed and the variable speed DC motor 4 is reversed causing themixing bowl 29 to descend to it's original position. As it passes the bottomlimit reed switch 35 the variable speed DC motor shuts off. - 7. After mixing is complete the
mixing bowl platform 28 is lowered upon pressing thedown switch 32. On the way down the DC motor goes at one speed. - A similar method of operation is used to make milk shakes or smoothies, however liquid is add at either
step step 6 there is no extrusion of the mixture from the mixing bowl.
- 1. First put ice cream, frozen yoghurt or other base product into mixing
-
- 1. Adjustable foot pads
- 2. Base
- 4. Variable speed DC motor
- 5. Reduction box
- 6. Thrust bearing and holder
- 7. Base plate
- 8. Column mounting flange
- 9. Reduction box spicket
- 10. Ball screw
- 11. Ball screw lifting block
- 12. Ball screw nut
- 13. Collar
- 14. Wear seals
- 15. Seal
- 15A. Column
- 16. Main drive motor
- 16A. Machined slot in column
- 17. V belt
- 18. Drive pulleys
- 18A. Drive shaft
- 19. Top cover
- 20. Ball screw bearing
- 21. Top frame
- 22. Auger bearing spicket shaft assembly
- 23. Safety splash guard outer collar retainer
- 24. Safety splash guard
- 25. Auger
- 26. Auger tip
- 27. Reed switch holder
- 28. Mixing bowl holder
- 29. Mixing bowl
- 30. Drip tray
- 31. Safety recessed electrical start switch
- 32. Safety recessed electrical down switch
- 33. Main drive start reed switch
- 34. Variable speed DC motor top limit reed switch
- 35. Variable speed DC motor bottom limit reed switch
- a) Easy to use
- b) Greater and finer control of the movement of the mixing bowl toward the auger
- c) Variable speed control of the mixing bowl holder.
- d) Robust and trouble free
- e) Improved safety features
- Throughout the description of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
- It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein defined in the appended claims.
Claims (36)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ590241A NZ590241A (en) | 2010-12-24 | 2010-12-24 | Blender, for homegenous food product, with auger and splash guard mounted on column and moved by ball screw mechanism |
NZ590241 | 2010-12-24 | ||
PCT/NZ2011/000254 WO2012087154A1 (en) | 2010-12-24 | 2011-12-08 | Blender |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130265847A1 true US20130265847A1 (en) | 2013-10-10 |
US9393533B2 US9393533B2 (en) | 2016-07-19 |
Family
ID=46314196
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/994,964 Active 2033-04-16 US9393533B2 (en) | 2010-12-24 | 2011-12-08 | Blender |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9393533B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2654936B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011345448B2 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ590241A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012087154A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
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US20130279288A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2013-10-24 | Lingyu Dong | Frosty swirl machine |
US9993016B1 (en) * | 2013-04-09 | 2018-06-12 | Alford Herman Dyer | Hands free frozen drink mixing systems |
CN114011350A (en) * | 2021-10-29 | 2022-02-08 | 王长城 | Waste mineral oil recycle system |
US20220202247A1 (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2022-06-30 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US11672382B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-06-13 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
CN116510565A (en) * | 2023-07-03 | 2023-08-01 | 天津新大地园林养护工程有限公司 | Mixing machine is smashed to gardens planting soil |
US11832767B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-12-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
USD1008735S1 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-12-26 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Blade for a micro puree machine |
US11871765B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-01-16 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US12016496B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-06-25 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US12022979B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-07-02 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
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US10350558B2 (en) * | 2016-05-11 | 2019-07-16 | Jonathan William Smith | Enclosed offset pail mixer |
FR3088807A1 (en) * | 2018-11-27 | 2020-05-29 | Rudy DELVALLEZ | Device for preparing a mixture, in particular an iced specialty |
CN112400933A (en) * | 2020-10-27 | 2021-02-26 | 旌德县瑞祥农业发展有限公司 | Stable form rice crust processing production facility |
USD985331S1 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-05-09 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Housing for a micro puree machine |
USD985334S1 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-05-09 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Nested bowl for a micro puree machine |
US11641978B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-05-09 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
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- 2011-12-08 AU AU2011345448A patent/AU2011345448B2/en active Active
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US3061279A (en) * | 1959-02-13 | 1962-10-30 | Claude A Reed | Apparatus for processing frozen comestibles |
US3323320A (en) * | 1965-07-05 | 1967-06-06 | Conz Loris | Machine for making ice cream |
US4548054A (en) * | 1984-03-07 | 1985-10-22 | Cic Int'l. Corp. | Mixing apparatus and method |
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Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130279288A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2013-10-24 | Lingyu Dong | Frosty swirl machine |
US9186636B2 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2015-11-17 | Lingyu Dong | Frosty swirl machine |
US20160029661A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2016-02-04 | Lingyu Dong | Frosty Swirl Machine |
US10159262B2 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2018-12-25 | Lingyu Dong | Frosty swirl machine |
US9993016B1 (en) * | 2013-04-09 | 2018-06-12 | Alford Herman Dyer | Hands free frozen drink mixing systems |
US11672382B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-06-13 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US20220202247A1 (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2022-06-30 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US20220225831A1 (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2022-07-21 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US12016493B2 (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2024-06-25 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US12064056B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-08-20 | Sharkninja (Hong Kong) Company Limited | Micro puree machine |
US12022979B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-07-02 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US11832767B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-12-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
USD1008735S1 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-12-26 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Blade for a micro puree machine |
US11864690B2 (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2024-01-09 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US11871765B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-01-16 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US11925298B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-03-12 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
US12016496B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-06-25 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Micro puree machine |
CN114011350A (en) * | 2021-10-29 | 2022-02-08 | 王长城 | Waste mineral oil recycle system |
CN116510565B (en) * | 2023-07-03 | 2023-08-29 | 天津新大地园林养护工程有限公司 | Mixing machine is smashed to gardens planting soil |
CN116510565A (en) * | 2023-07-03 | 2023-08-01 | 天津新大地园林养护工程有限公司 | Mixing machine is smashed to gardens planting soil |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2011345448B2 (en) | 2015-01-15 |
EP2654936B1 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
WO2012087154A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
EP2654936A1 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
US9393533B2 (en) | 2016-07-19 |
AU2011345448A1 (en) | 2013-05-30 |
NZ590241A (en) | 2012-06-29 |
EP2654936A4 (en) | 2017-06-07 |
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